Thread: Applying for a Spouse Visa

I really need a recommendation for a good Agent to handle the application for a Non-Imm O Spouse Visa . I messaged the Siam Legal Agency and I was quite impressed with them though I haven't signed up yet . Then 3 days ago I ran into a guy who is moving to Thailand .... so I asked him and he forcefully said " Well don't go near Siam Legal ! " I had not even mentioned them but he was pretty strong about it .

SO ...... can anyone please recommend ( from personal experience ) an Agency for this .

We live near Korat . Thanks .

W.

PM sent already, it can all be taken care of, lemme know if you can't see the PM.

Wasp, just go to your local io with your wife to find out the requirements.

In the current climate especially.

Originally Posted by cyrille

Wasp, just go to your local io with your wife to find out the requirements.

In the current climate especially.

I agree. I presumed that he has trouble meeting the requirements and would like some help with a work around.

Originally Posted by Wasp

don't go near Siam Legal !

I found this on 'Reddit

Siam Legal - legit or not?

legal


[COLOR=var(--color-neutral-content)]I've been researching law companies in Thailand focused towards foreigners. Siam Legal comes at the top of the SEO and what not, but i have noticed a lot of bad reviews
Has any had experience with them?
There seems to be many job review boards saying they don't pay their employees and the environment is toxic. I also saw that some clients have basically had their money taken from them and the main boss guy just ignores them they ask for it back
I am interested in pursuing a career in this area but don't want get involved with a unscrupulous business, any advice for 1/ trust worthy law firms 2/ this law firm
krub


[/COLOR]

You don't need an agent. Just do what cy told you. All marriage visa apps are sent to bangkok and take time. Retirement visa can be done in local office. Depends how much money you've got.

Originally Posted by Troy

All marriage visa apps are sent to bangkok

They are.

Some certain requirements can and are overlooked, when facilitated.


If going alone without an agent have all requirements met (they will need to be without the use of a facilitator) and there shouldn't be any issue. :-)

Originally Posted by Troy

You don't need an agent. Just do what cy told you

Agree completely. Agents are good if you are lacking in some of the criteria required. I also think its value add to know the process.

Best of luck to ya Wasp

Thank You for your answers . When I read different Threads I find there are two positions that people take . Some very strongly say ' There's too much faffing around when you go on your own . Take a number -- wait a long time -- the Staff close at Lunch Time -- your application depends on the mood of the Officer -- they can close and tell you to come back tomorrow -- some want tea money -- you can be refused for the most tiny or obscure reason ....... ' . These people say " Just pay an Agent and let them deal with the stress " .
Then there are others who say " Don't be paying 28 000 Baht for a 2 000 Baht Visa . "
I'm inclined towards an Agent just to avoid the stresses of the Immigration Office . At least for the first application .
I've had people talk about paying an Agent and somehow the Agent can make the Bank Deposit Requirement disappear . But I know that money in the Bank is a requirement and I don't want to do anything at all that could disqualify my application . Immigration Officials and Police quite terrify me . So I'm still looking for a really good agent . Not for some way around the system . A good Agent who is worth the cost .

Thank you again .

W.
I can see the value of processing everything myself . But I don't want to deal with some Document requirement that I can only get by leaving the country again .

In life, I have always reacted according to how I have been treated and not on how others have said they have been treated. I've been told so much shit and thanked the lord for ignoring it and finding my way on my own.

Grow some balls wasp. These guys are doing their job, respect them and resort to an agent only if you are unable to comply with their simple requests.

^chitty has done the paperwork to get his ex-wife to the UK and for her to be a citizen (based on his previous posts), so he does have experience on paperwork but it's the other way around.

@wasp - from what I've gathered from other posters, if you don't have the ££ for the visa requirement, the agency can "loan" it to you - they park the money in your acct. But as others said, if you have the ££ then I think it's best to DIY it. Your choice.

I don't have experience in visas for TH but have applied for other visas due to my weak passport. One has to have complete docs to be approved and be confident/ calm if there's a visa interview (example US visa).

Good luck in your visa application, wasp!

Originally Posted by katie23

^chitty has done the paperwork to get his ex-wife to the UK and for her to be a citizen (based on his previous posts), so he does have experience on paperwork but it's the other way around.

More 'thrown in the air, mystery parts added and, obviously, discussed in a foreign language' rather than merely 'the other way around'.

Personally, I highly doubt agencies 'park money in the accounts' of applicants.

Take a lot of what you read with a pinch of salt.

Originally Posted by cyrille

Wasp - paying an agent the first time won’t make the process any easier the second time.

Actually it can.

For an extension based on marriage there'll be a home visit for the first extension. Was it him that said his wife was moving away for 6 months so they won't be living together?

In such an instance using an agent for the first extension would likely mean far less questions, officer smiles, ticks all the boxes and leaves.


Likely no home visit for the second year's extension, so no need for an agent to make things 'friendly'.

Originally Posted by cyrille

Personally, I highly doubt agencies 'park money in the accounts' of applicants.

No need for it to be parked for more than 20 minutes, with some *cough* agents. Even for annual marriage extensions.

Some satisfied posters on here can attest to the Power of the Edmond if they wish to.

Well, OK, I guess.

The home visit is a pretty minor inconvenience compared to the rest of the process, ime.

And there is no reason why there would be fewer questions.

It's just a straightforward 'tick box' thing.

What takes time is all the docs, copies and hand drawn maps and photos.

Originally Posted by cyrille

The home visit is a pretty minor inconvenience compared to the rest of the process, ime.

Well it is if the husband and wife are living together. I'm pretty sure he said that they wouldn't be.

Originally Posted by cyrille

fewer

Bugger.

I really must have been absent on that day of third grade.

The "park money in applicant's account" has a similar concept here (in PH) which we call "show money". It's used by some ppl when they apply for tourist visas for US, UK, EU, Can, etc. It's to "show" the embassy that they have money for their visit to that country - but usually they'll stay with someone (relative, partner, etc). People sometimes borrow money from relatives or money lender/ travel agency for the show money (or so I've heard).

I think headworx or PAG (can't remember?) has mentioned that some of his friends use an agency to help with the ££ requirements.

Originally Posted by cyrille

The home visit is a pretty minor inconvenience compared to the rest of the process,

Mine took about 15 minutes. Officers walked the place. We chatted. Wife talked and they said. All good. Never had to do it again.

Originally Posted by cyrille

What takes time is all the docs, copies and hand drawn maps and photos

It does but if you make up a template as we have done, it's only a few pictures. The rest never changes. Only need to stop by the bank, get a bank statement which costs 100 bht and takes 10 minutes and easy easy.

Do you not have to supply two or three hand drawn maps?

I do.

Despite Google map coordinates.

Originally Posted by Stumpy

get a bank statement which costs 100 bht

Bangkok Bank charge me 200. And it is 2 visits because I have to go in once to book a date for the letter in advance and that date must be the same date I return to collect the letter and go to Immigration. (This is Retirement, not Marriage. I guess it is similar.)

Funny how these things go. I did my annual renewal recently and collected the letter at the bank, bright and early. Of course the passbook has to be updated at the same time, so the number matches the letter. Then I need a copy of that updated page as the last thing before hitting Immigration. In the past, the bank clerk has always helped do that. This time she refused, cannot make copies for customers, must go to copy shop, which is not nearby. I was disgruntled. On my way out there was a cheery shout and the pretty woman with an infectious laugh who had opened my account years back jumped away from her customer and came to say hello. I asked after her baby daughter, she asked if I needed anything, and moments later I had the passbook copy. I left with a spring in my step and arrived at the empty Immigration office in a happy mood. All went smoothly. Finished before the coffee shop opened at 10, the only other wrinkle in my morning.

Originally Posted by Shutree

must go to copy shop, which is not nearby.

Always gets one thinking like SA, that.

Originally Posted by cyrille

Do you not have to supply two or three hand drawn maps?

Yeah I have them drawn up and multiple copies ready in a folder. Just pull one out and sign it.

Originally Posted by Shutree

Bangkok Bank charge me 200. And it is 2 visits because I have to go in once to book a date for the letter in advance and that date must be the same date I return to collect the letter and go to Immigration

I go in the morning of my visit. I update my bank book first at the teller. Then sit down with the bank gal and request a print out then off to immigration, always 100 bht.

Originally Posted by Stumpy

Yeah I have them drawn up and multiple copies ready in a folder. Just pull one out and sign it.

I see.
Must be hand drawn at CM - no copies.

Originally Posted by cyrille

I see.
Must be hand drawn at CM - no copies.

Wow...not here. I drew one up about 3 years ago and just make copies of the same one and put in the packet. The only thing that has to change is pics of us around the place etc. No bedroom pics like others whinge about. Usually my wife and I working around the place or me at the BBQ or her washing the dogs. Silly crap like that.